Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro on Tuesday expressed support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (SoNA), highlighting proposed tax relief, household assistance and healthcare expansions.

Baricuatro said key initiatives outlined in the speech align closely with local priorities across the province.

“Several points were raised by President Bongbong Marcos in his fifth State of the Nation Address, and I welcome them as they align with our priorities in Cebu and the needs on the ground, including those affecting Cebuanos,” Baricuatro said.

The governor praised proposals to widen worker tax exemptions and eliminate system loss charges from monthly electricity bills, noting both steps would directly ease daily living expenses for families.

She also pointed to the national focus on disaster response, agriculture and food security as critical commitments following recent regional crises, including the earthquake in northern Cebu and typhoon “Tino.”

Healthcare remains a top regional priority, Baricuatro emphasized, welcoming planned expansions under Universal Health Care, the Yakap program and PhilHealth benefits — specifically broadened coverage for rehabilitation therapy.

Baricuatro also commended the president’s push to expand medical scholarships, pointing out that the Cebu Provincial Government has already launched a similar program locally.

During his address, Marcos urged Congress to pass targeted tax relief for middle-income workers and small businesses while outlining immediate relief measures, including fare discounts, diesel subsidies and loan moratoriums.